FUNDS

Resolution 47/188 established two funds to assist the Committee in
its operations: a trust fund for the operation of the Secretariat
and a voluntary fund designed to facilitate the participation of
developing countries in the negotiating process.

The US announced that they intend to contribute US$200,000 to
support Secretariat operations and US$50,000 to support developing
country participation. Sweden announced that they would contribute
2 million Swedish crowns (approximately US$300,000) to the
voluntary fund and will make an additional contribution to the
Secretariat trust fund. France said that they will contribute
600,000 francs to the Secretariat trust fund and 500,000 francs to
the voluntary fund. The Netherlands announced a contribution
between US$300,000-500,000, but that the final figure would be
determined once the Secretariat has specified what funding is
necessary. Spain said that they intend to contribute 600 million
pesetas (US$70,000) to enable developing countries to participate.

Germany, Norway, Japan, the UK, Canada and Denmark announced that
they would also be making contributions to the funds. A number of
countries had questions about the funds and the financial needs of
the Secretariat and both Kjelln and Diallo assured that they would
follow up on these matters.